A little-known railway station crowned the best in the UK - and it's immediately clear why
The best railway station across Great Britain has been named and with a myriad of visual feasts, a popular cafe and a platform that's a hive of activity, it's easy to see why.
An unassuming station found in the suburb of Liverpool and situated on the Ormskirk branch of the Northern Line is still basking in its glory.
This Merseyrail network has a lot to be proud of after being named the crowning winner in the 2024 World Cup of Stations competition.
Securing this prestigious title of Britain’s best railway station, Maghull station beat out both Dorridge and King’s Lynn to claim the top spot.
The station's win was announced on October 25 after the previous week's final vote with this year’s contest celebrating the most diverse businesses found in train stations across Great Britain.
Businesses found among train stations include florists, delis and local cafes which enrich the region’s economy and communities with the competition giving Maghull’s station top honours.
This impressive win for Liverpool and Maghull was largely owed to its popular station cafe, The Coffee Carriage which opened in 2024.
The cafe's friendly team saw the business quickly become a community hub which was founded by two local entrepreneurs in February.
An assortment of hot drinks and delicious pastries are all on offer with customers greeted with a warm smile surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere which has seen this cafe draw in big crowds from both residents of the surrounding area and regular commuters.
It's not just the station’s popular coffee spot that saw it being crowned the ultimate winner as the platform’s overall look and feel is a feast for the eyes too.
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Traditional-style brick buildings are seen throughout with a waiting area featuring a railway-themed stained glass window which was donated by a local artist.
The station is also seemingly spotless thanks to 85-year-old volunteer, Margaret Walton.
Walton has been a member of the Maghull Volunteers who regularly helps clean the station keeping it in tip-top shape.
Her tireless efforts are seen even on Christmas Day, leaving her mark on this great platform which also includes intricate murals that adorn the brick building that are all painted by her.
“Winning the World Cup of Stations is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the amazing support we have seen from the local community during the competition,” said Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail.
“Maghull station is a special place, combining a dedicated station team, a wonderful local business in the form of the Coffee Carriage and not forgetting our station volunteers, who keep it looking at it’s best”.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added:“I’m absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognised nationally and I know how much it means to all the people involved.
“This fantastic achievement is a testament to the incredible spirit of our local community, as well as the hard work of the station team and volunteers.
“Along with the folks at The Coffee Carriage, they have made Maghull a proper community hub where people feel welcome and connected.”
